Which aspect of the Value Added Model is based on previous student performance?

The Value Added Model primarily focuses on measuring the contribution of educators to student academic progress over time, taking into account the previous performance levels of students. This model seeks to isolate the impact of teaching by comparing the growth of students from one point to the next, assuming that the prior performance serves as a baseline. By doing this, it acknowledges that students come to the classroom with a range of abilities and previous experiences, which can influence their learning trajectory. Thus, the assessment is centered on current teacher contributions to students, looking to quantify how effective teachers are in promoting academic gains, given where students started.

In contrast, the other options do not directly relate to the primary premise of measuring educational outcomes based on past performance. A comparative analysis of new students generally does not consider prior academic data to evaluate specific teachers. Evaluation of school funding criteria is related to the resources available but does not assess individual teacher impact. Similarly, the assessment of teacher job satisfaction is important for broader educational discussions but does not directly link to prior student performance in the context of the Value Added Model. The correct answer is focused on the essential relationship between current teaching efforts and student growth, factoring in their historical academic performance.